Bold plans for LynnMall extension

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Plans are under way to expand LynnMall to include a seven-theatre cinema complex, entertainment and dining area.

Kiwi Income Property Trust has announced plans for the development, a project estimated to cost $30 million.

Development general manager Mark Luker says subject to board commitment to proceed with the project, work may start as early as next year.

"Our market research has identified very strongly in this case that people already living in the inner west around New Lynn really want cinemas and new dining options, so the focus for this project will be to create a comprehensive dining and entertainment precinct at LynnMall - offering great food, in a vibrant and comfortable environment featuring a range of cafes and restaurants."

LynnMall opened in 1963, and has been refurbished and extended over the years. It was purchased by the trust in December 2010.

Luker says one of the key reasons that Kiwi Income Property Trust acquired LynnMall was the number of nearby transformational projects which were either under way or recently completed.

These include New Lynn's public transport interchange with new rail and bus station and the extension of the motorway, which will make New Lynn a more attractive place to live.

The New Lynn Business Association says the expansion project at LynnMall is positive for the catchment.

Chairman Philip Parker sees New Lynn as fast becoming a metropolitan centre with a world-class transport hub, good dining options, a variety of services, retail stores and now plans for a new entertainment hub.

"Many locals ask when cinemas are coming back to New Lynn. Therefore a proposed entertainment hub is good news for our area."